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Was Charles Taze Russell a Mason / Freemason?

Bedfellows with Freemasons?

The charge has been advanced that Pastor Russell and the Bible Students are connected With the Free masons and that both groups are to be condemned because they are occult in nature. The occult reference is used to describe both the secrecy aspect of their respective beliefs as well as the demonic.

One critic, Fritz Springmeier, unabashedly claims that “C. T. Russell was definitely a Mason” and lists thirty-five points that supposedly prove that much of the Pastor’s thinking and imagery was borrowed from them. Among the points Springmeier makes are that both the Bible Students and the Masons:

* Rely on the Great Pyramid for Truth
* Emphasize the name “Jehovah”
* Believe the Bible is written in code
* Are fascinated with numbers and their special meanings
* Rely heavily on Gnostic concepts of “revealed secrets”
* Use similar symbols, especially the “Cross and Crown” Logo
* Meet in Masonic halls.

The same critic also strongly implies that Pastor Russell was secretly “an important Satanist” and that “various items from magic were part of [his] religious beliefs, including the Winged-Sun-Disk” of ancient Egypt.

These charges are either inferential in nature or totally false.  This technique is an effort to emphasize some outward similarities without providing full analysis. It is not a valid form of reasoning and would prove guilt merely on the basis of weak circumstantial evidence. Once again, we will draw upon the actual facts, beginning with a brief description of the Masons.

The Masonic Order is an international organization with a long history going back to at least the twelfth century. It was originally connected with the art of building and adopted certain secretive and religious elements. It is generally thought of today as a fraternal and philanthropic organization, strongly supporting public education and various civic and charitable projects.

It is not a religion but has deeply religious overtones incorporated in its rites and ceremonies. These represent a blending of concepts from major world religions.  There has been a long history of mutual hostility between the Masonic Order and the Roman Catholic Church, with repeated official pronouncements against it from the Vatican. Relations have improved somewhat in recent years, and there has been some cooperation in mutual endeavors.  But the Catholic Church and some Protestant denominations for bid or discourage Masonic affiliation.

The secrecy of Masonic ceremonies has given rise to fear and suspicion in various lands, and through the years accusations have been spread that the Masons practice magic, engage in evil and worship the Devil.  Though these charges are wholly unsubstantiated, the supposed connection still lingers in the minds of some people.  Thus it becomes clear why critics of Pastor Russell would endeavor falsely to link him to Freemasonry. It would open the possibility that the Bible Students were covertly involved in Satanic worship and occult activities.  Nevertheless, we need to permit honesty and reason to prevail here as we explore the ramifications of this issue.  Let us do three things:

1. Examine Pastor Russell’s own statements regarding any possible Masonic       connections.
2. Compare some of the underlying religious concepts and philosophy of Freemasonry with the beliefs of the Bible Students.
3. Take a close look at some of the “mystic tokens” that supposedly have been adopted by the Bible Students.

With this evidence in hand, the reader will be enabled to appreciate the lack of understanding and the falsity of the charges being made.

 

THE PASTOR’S COMMENTS.  We turn first to the Pastor’s own words.   In his Scripture Studies series he wrote:

“Is it right for the [the New Creation] to be members of [various orders and] societies?  We answer that while Church associations are purely religious, and labor and beneficial organizations in general are purely secular, there are still other orders which combine the religious and the secular features. As we understand the matter, for instance, the Free Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, etc., perform certain rites and ceremonies of a religious kind … We admonish the New Creation to have nothing whatever to do with ny of these semi-religious societies, clubs, orders, churches; but to ‘Come out from amongst them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing.’ (2 Cor. 6:17)”

Even earlier he had expressed his over all disapproval of such secret, semi-religious societies:

“So far as we can judge, there is a certain amount of [simulated] worship or mummery connected with the rites of this order [Free Masonry] and some others, which the members do not comprehend, but which, in many cases, serves to satisfy the cravings of the natural mind for worship, and thus hinders it from seeking the worship of God in spirit and in truth—through Christ, the only appointed Mediator and Grand Master.

“In proportion as such societies consume valuable time in foolish, senseless rites and ceremonies, and in substituting … words and symbols which have no meaning to them, for the [true] worship … in that proportion these societies are grievous evils …

“Wherever oaths of secrecy are demanded, it is safe for God’s people to touch not, taste not, handle not … St. James cautions against all binding oaths, such as many Secret Societies demand … (James 5:12)”

Finally, the clearest expression of Pastor Russell’s own noninvolvement with secret societies is found in his reference to a letter sent to him from a reader of his journal. This reader identified himself as a “fellow-worker” in the Harvest and a former Mason of over twenty years’ association, who had gained the position of “Worshipful Master.” In making the letter public, Pastor Russell introduced it in the following way:

“A brother, once very deep in Secretism, and who knows that the Editor has had no such experience, writes as follows: [The entire letter followed.]”

Here then is an unambiguous statement by the Pastor that he had never been a part of any secret society such as the Masons, which was the main subject of the letter. This quotation would normally be thought of as sufficient to settle the matter, except for a remark made by the Pastor in a discourse given in 1913. If taken out of context with out reading his explanation, it seems to contradict all that we have said thus far. His words were: “I am a free Mason … I am not going to say a word against Free Masons.”

However, as one reads his elaboration that follows, it turns out that he was giving a discourse on “the Temple of God” in a hall that had been rented from the Masons, and was merely using figurative language to express some limited similarity with that group. He had begun the discourse by stating that the Bible Students were a Christian group and, as such, had certain points of faith in sympathy and harmony with every denomination.

The Pastor then went on to detail the preparation of the Spiritual Temple in which the Masons were ostensibly interested. This consisted of the true followers of Christ who are selected out of the world during the Gospel Age as the masonry of “living stones,” chiseled and polished for their respective places in God’s symbolic Temple. Throughout his discourse, he made an effort to reach out to the Masons in the audience by using terms and expressions that would be familiar to them. At one point he said:

“We of the Free and Accepted Order of Masons of the Lord Jesus Christ’s Commandery have the very highest standard, and ours is not the cross that is on the head of the sword, but ours is the cross of Christ.”

Here is his explanation of how true believers could be thought of as “free Masons”:

“We are free, my dear brethren … free from [sin], free from the domination of sin, free from … that condition of sin and death in which we once were … The shackles have fallen off. If the Son makes you free, then are ye free indeed. And thus every man made free by the Lord Jesus Christ, through the merit of his sacrifice, in thus presenting his body a living sacrifice and being received of God and inducted fully into this Masonic Fraternity, into this Masonry of the highest order, into this Royal Priesthood, happy is his position, for the spirit of Glory and of God rests on him.”

 

In these comments and from the other language the Pastor employed in sketching the Biblical picture of the spiritual Temple in process of development (see 1 Corinthians 3:9-11), it is abundantly clear that his talk was designed to be especially appealing to the Masons, whose very existence as a group was related to the building arts. From this standpoint, his remarks are not to be interpreted as implying that either he or the Bible Students were associated with that group. To the contrary, it is evident that he was appealing to their spiritual senses and showing that there was a much higher calling to which they would also have the privilege of responding.

 

COMPARISON OF BELIEFS. Now let us go on to a more detailed look at the religious overtones of Free Masonry. Underlying these is their objective of providing a universal belief system embodying high ideals of charity, equality and morality.  Nevertheless, there are some important differences between Masonic religious elements and the beliefs of conservative Christianity. A helpful perspective is provided by The Encyclopedia of Christianity and can be summarized as follows:

(a) Freemasonry de-emphasizes the role of Jesus Christ. The enlightenment of Masonic teachings and accompanying good works are the only prerequisites “to ascend to the Grand Lodge Above,” without the necessity of acknowledging Christ as Lord and Savior.

(b) Freemasonry sets forth “a common denominator” god who is not limited to the Judeo-Christian definition of a unique Supreme Being above all others. Rather, its “ever- living, true God” may incorporate elements of belief from ancient Assyria, Egypt, India and other non-Biblical sources.

(c) Free masonry does not accord the Bible chief place in its belief system, even though the Book may be on display at meetings.  [In Britain and the United States, a copy of the Volume of the Sacred Law (which may be the Bible, Koran, Vedas, or any other sacred religious book) must lie open during proceedings.] Thus even when used, the Bible is regarded as but one of the various “holy” books of world religions and as merely a part of “God’s [whole] revelation.”

(d) A candidate for initiation as a Mason is portrayed as one “in a state of darkness” who will be enlightened by the revelations of knowledge he will receive which are unattainable elsewhere.

On all of these points, the Bible Students, in harmony with other conservative Christians, hold clear differences with the Masons. In the same order as listed above, the Bible Students teach:

(a) That Jesus’ ransom sacrifice is the center of God’s Plan for the salvation of the human race, since the Bible plainly states that “there is none other name under heaven given among men [besides Jesus], whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

(b) That a “common denominator” god incorporating elements from various pagan religions is a concept foreign to Bible teaching; the true, eternal God has revealed Himself in His written Word, the Bible, and not through a mixture of other philosophies or beliefs. (Isa. 8:20)

(c) That the Bible must be distinguished from all other books; it alone is the holy, inspired Word of God and serves a unique role as the source of all religious Truth. (2 Tim. 3:15,16)

(d) That spiritual enlightenment is gained from a personal relationship with God through the working of the Holy Spirit and study of the Bible. It is not dependent upon any human organization or attainments conferred through secret ceremonies and binding oaths.  Only by faith in Christ and full consecration to the Heavenly Father can one be accepted into the family of God. Understanding of the deep things previously hidden thereupon opens up to all who are thus walking in His pathway. (1 Cor. 2:9,10; Col. 1:26,27)

Whereas the above comparison shows significant differences between the Bible Students and Freemasonry, there is yet another point that should be mentioned. In an effort to form a fraternity of men of various religious persuasions, Freemasonry requires all prospective candidates to attest specifically to two religious tenets: (1) Belief in a Supreme Being, and (2) Belief in the Immortality of the soul. This second item distinguishes the Bible Students yet further, since they believe that the hope of a future life is based on the Resurrection of the dead, not on the possession of an Immortal soul. Bible Student understanding on this subject has been detailed more fully in Chapter 5 of this presentation.

In the light of this analysis, it may be seen how far fetched is the charge that Bible Students are related to the Freemasons in their religious beliefs or practices. The gap between these groups is just too great to permit such characterization.

 

USE OF MYSTIC SYMBOLS. If the foregoing conclusion is correct, how do we explain the apparent adoption of certain “mystic tokens” by the Bible Students, including the Cross and Crown?  In this regard, Randall Watters charges:

“It is known that Russell admired secret societies, especially the Masons. It is hardly a coincidence that one of his pet emblems, the cross and crown, was none other than the Knights Templar logo of the Masonic Lodge …

“Russell was [also] fond of using the ‘winged disk’ of the sun god, Ra, revealing his fascination with Egyptian religion and mysteries. He placed this emblem on the covers of his Studies in the Scriptures.”

Once again we have a mixture of presumptive and completely false statements.  We have already seen that Pastor Russell was not an admirer of secret societies and strongly counseled against participating in them. As for the Cross and Crown symbol, his was hardly distinctive, either to the Bible Students or to the Masons. If Pastor Russell was fond of this symbol, he had a lot of company: Both Catholic and Protestant churches had universally adopted the Cross and Crown and used it for centuries as a Christian emblem depicting the final reward of the faithful believer.

In Bible Student usage, a Cross and Crown symbol appeared for the first time on the cover of the Watch Tower magazine for January 1891 and continued to be displayed until 1931. At first there was no natural wreath encircling the Cross and Crown, merely an artistic geometric pattern.  Later, beginning January 1, 1895, a band of greenery was added, giving the wreath the distinctive appearance it has today, as frequently used on Bible Student convention programs and letter heads.  Since it never was unique to the Masons, its adoption by the Bible Students carries no significance in relating it to that group (or any other group, for that matter).

Bible Student meaning for the Cross and Crown is taken from the Scriptures where both symbols are given a prominent place. The cross, besides being the instrument used in the death of Christ, is also a metaphor of the trials and persecutions of the believer.  (See Matt. 16:24.) The crown is frequently used as a symbol of the glory, honor and immortality granted to Christ and his church for faithfulness in serving God. (See Rev. 3:21; 2:10.) The Bible also makes it clear that gaining the crown is dependent upon bearing the cross faithfully even unto death. (See James 1:12.) The poem, “No Cross, No Crown,” emphasizing this point, appeared in the July 1, 1911 issue of the Watch Tower. This again is not a concept unique to Bible Students and may be found in church hymnology dating back to at least the eighteenth century.  And finally, the wreath encircling the Cross and Crown symbol is taken as a sign of victory. Its use in crowning the winners in the Greek games is directly alluded to in 1 Corinthians 9:25.

Similar Biblical basis is seen for the Winged-Sun-Disk design, which though of ancient origin, became popular in the early twentieth century and was even adopted by an automobile manufacturer.  The Bible Students took it as a fitting symbol to portray the events expected to occur at the start of the Millennial day: “The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings” (Mal. 4:2), referring to Messiah’s role as earth’s new ruler in the Kingdom, to bring blessings to all the families of the earth. For a time beginning in 1911, the winged disk was used as a design on the covers of the Studies in the Scriptures series, but it is certain that no reference to the primitive Egyptian sun god Ra was ever intended.  Pastor Russell was always firmly opposed to all forms of occultism, as will be discussed in greater detail in the section on Pyramidology later in this chapter; and he never knowingly employed any mystic symbols in his ministry and teachings.

CONCLUSION. We have touched on some of the outward similarities of Bible Students and Freemasons and clearly seen that a valid case for linking them together can not be made. Even the fact that some times the Bible Students meet in Masonic halls is irrelevant since they also meet in churches, YMCAs, schools, public auditoriums, conference centers and private homes where suitable accommodations may be available.  The bottom line here is that there is no basis for ascribing occultist beliefs or practices to Pastor Russell and his followers (or seemingly to the Masons).

 

This article is an excerpt from the book, PASTOR C. T. RUSSELL : MESSENGER OF MILLENIAL HOPE, Chapter 8, Current Charges of critics,  copyright 2006 by Charles F. Redeker:  You can download a pdf electronic copy of the book by clicking HERE: 

92 comments to Was Charles Taze Russell a Mason / Freemason?

  • Hank

    Isaiah 43:10 CEB You are my witnesses says the LORD. 13 From the dawn of time, I am the one. No one can escape my power, I act, and who can undo it? I don’t see your 33 here. Hank

  • M

    There’s no connection between Freemasonry and JW’s.

    This taken from Massimo Introvigne book,
    “Freemasonry and New Religious Movements,”
    [«Ελευθεροτεκτονισμός και Νέα Θρησκευτικά Κινήματα»],
    pp./σσ. 306-318,
    in Handbook of Freemasonry, Brill, 2014.
    https://e-homoreligiosus.blogspot.com/2014/07/jehovahs-witnesses-freemasonry.html?m=0

    Sad so many people are promoting the lie of there’s a connection between Russell, JW’S, and freemasonry.
    https://pastorrussell.blogspot.com/2008/09/was-charles-taze-russell-mason.html?m=1

    • Peter K. (admin)

      Thanks friend. Yes, I agree there is no connections. We are willing to discuss honest criticism, however anyone who claims a connection with Freemasonry has either not really carefully investigated the evidence or is being dishonest.

  • obinwa u s

    Why is it that JW uses masonic terms as Brother, Hall, Congregation etc. And most of all, they are in support of masonic doctrine of embracing death as a welcoming effect that puts one into no regret of past deeds as no judgement awaits you, but just oblivon.

    • Why is J=10 and W=23 alphabet positions also 33 “dot org” or “JW” dot org? Imo, it is a mix. Since the time of Judas, Christian groups get infiltrated as standard operating procedure, because it is like stealing candy from a baby.

      But in all fairness, Charles Russell had to be a real Christian. There is not one lazy Mason near the energy level of that man, and you simply cannot fake it.

      • Peter K. (admin)

        Hi MilkyWay. I am not sure I understand the significance of J being the tenth letter of the alphabet and W being the twenty third letter. I do agree with you that Brother Russell was neither lazy nor a Mason. Thanks for sharing.

        • In the theory, with other WT symbols weaved into their graphics, is that they are a “33” controlled organization. 33 is the highest managerial order of Freemasonry. Or, it could mean nothing. Seeing their crime record, I tend to think something darker controls the tower.

          Like any corporation of this order, they also have symbology like this in their corporate paraphernalia. It is not just WTBTS.

          I am not saying that is their origins, for I think Charles Russell was an obvious fully Christian “apostle”, imo no one can “fake” Russell’s insights. I am seeing this as post 1976 Governing Body work which now guides this obvious JW criminal apostasy now in terminal form. I think the plan is to destroy the WTBTS and liquidate it by use of its own self fulfilling prophecy.

          • Peter K. (admin)

            MilkyWay – Our biggest concern is when an organization is so controlling that its members do not have the Christian liberty to honestly question teachings and come to their own conclusions without consequences.

            • I understand that aspect too. WT is unique today in cult scale, and the indoctrination with a fake doomsday has ultimate control objectives in the real cult context WT meets all the criteria of.

              So, their rigidity has a an “end goal” so to speak, they also need to pull out billions when WT doomsday plan finally does activate in earnest. So, the red flag of high control is a cult red flag. Cults like this type do not plan on a fade away, but a blaze of glory self-induced cataclysm.

              Anyone getting out is fleeing to far safer ground overall. This cannot have a happy ending.

              • Peter K. (admin)

                Thanks MilkyWay. As we have found, there is NO scriptural evidence that everyone except for Jehovah’s Witnesses will be destroyed in Armageddon, nor that those who die in Armageddon are destroyed forever in Second Death. Various end time scriptures show nations surviving into the kingdom.

                In Ezek 38 & 39, the JW Organization applies these verses about Israel to either Nominal Christendom, if it says something bad, or the anointed Spiritual Israel, if it says something good. It’s just like when the translators translate Sheol as hell for bad people and grave for good people.

                Ezek 38 talks about the end times when Gog and Magog and all the nations with them come against Israel to battle.

                Ezek 38 (NWT)
                16 And you will be bound to come up against my people Israel, like clouds to cover the land. In the final part of the days it will occur, and I shall certainly bring you against my land, for the purpose that the nations may know me when I sanctify myself in you before their eyes, O Gog.
                23 And I shall certainly magnify myself and sanctify myself and make myself known before the eyes of many nations; and they will have to know that I am Jehovah.’

                This is talking about nations that survive Armageddon. It is NOT saying that after Jehovah makes himself known in the eyes of many nations, that He then destroys them. Notice how Ezek 39:7 continues along the same vein.

                Ez 39:(NWT) 7 And my holy name I shall make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I shall no more let my holy name be profaned; and the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah, the Holy One in Israel.’ 23 And the nations will have to know that it was because of their error that they, the house of Israel, went into exile, on account of the fact that they behaved unfaithfully toward me, so that I concealed my face from them and gave them into the hand of their adversaries, and they kept falling, all of them, by the sword.

                Is this talking about spiritual Israel? The JW Organization? Will the nations believe the JW Organization behaved unfaithfully toward Jehovah? This is talking about natural Israel, isn’t it? Jehovah gave natural Israel into the hand of their adversaries. It says that at this time the nations will know that Jehovah had sent Israel captive and brought them back to their land. These nations are survivors of Armageddon.

                Ez 39:28, 29 (NWT) “28 And they will have to know that I am Jehovah their God, when I send them in exile to the nations and actually bring them together upon their soil, so that I shall leave none of them remaining there any longer. 29 And I shall no longer conceal my face from them, because I will pour out my spirit upon the house of Israel,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.”

                It was natural Israel that was in exile among the nation, and Jehovah will pour out his spirit on them.

                Now I know JWs believe when Jesus said to the Jews “your house is left unto you desolate” that that is all she wrote. That that marked the end of Israel as a nation. Yet how do you explain, that against what you believe to be Jehovah’s will, that somehow the Jews have thwarted Jehovah’s purpose by returning to the Land? If Jehovah destroyed the nation forever, how do we explain that the nation has been restored?

                But you say it is a secular nation, without faith in Jehovah, so that doesn’t count. But Zech 12 tells us that the Jews come back to the land first. Afterward, they repent, acknowledge Jesus and receive the holy spirit.

                Zech 12: 3, 6, 9, 10 (NWT) “3 … I shall make Jerusalem a burdensome stone to all the peoples 6 … In that day… they must devour on the right hand and on the left all the peoples round about; and Jerusalem must yet be inhabited in her own place, in Jerusalem. 9 And it must occur in that day that I shall seek to annihilate all the nations that are coming against Jerusalem. 10 “And I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of favor and entreaties, and they will certainly look to the One whom they pierced through, and they will certainly wail over Him as in the wailing over an only son…”

                Verse 3 – So we see that since they became a nation in 1948, that Israel has been a burdensome stone to all the nations of the world.
                Verse 6 fulfilled in 1967 when the Jews captured the complete city of Jerusalem.
                Verses 9 & 10 – After Jehovah defeats their enemies, the Jews mourn for having pierced Jesus through and they receive the Holy Spirit.

                Zechariah 14 also shows there are survivors of Armageddon.
                Zech 14 (NWT) “ 2 And I shall certainly gather all the nations against Jerusalem for the war; and the city will actually be captured … 3 “And Jehovah will certainly go forth and war against those nations … 4 And his feet will actually stand in that day upon the mountain of the olive trees, which is in front of Jerusalem… 5… And Jehovah my God will certainly come, all the holy ones being with him… 8 ¶ And it must occur in that day that living waters will go forth from Jerusalem…

                Notice how it says, “all the holy ones being with him.” This is the same as all the holy angels or messengers that Jesus comes with at his return. In Jude 14 they are called saint, because this is actually the 144,000. So this is the same time as when he comes in Flaming Fire taking vengeance.

                Zech 14 (NWT) 9 And Jehovah must become king over all the earth. …”And it must occur that, as regards everyone who is left remaining out of all the nations that are coming against Jerusalem, they must also go up from year to year to bow down to the King, Jehovah of armies, and to celebrate the festival of the booths. 17 And it must occur that, as regards anyone that does not come up out of the families of the earth to Jerusalem to bow down to the King, Jehovah of armies, even upon them no pouring rain will occur.

                “everyone who is remaining of the nations” – So there are surviving nations after Armageddon. Whoever does not come up to worship will get no rain – Probably both literal and symbolic of the kingdom blessings.

                What else do we know will happen to these nations that survive Armageddon?

                Micah 4:1-3 (NWT) 1 And it must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it peoples must stream. 2 And many nations will certainly go and say: “Come, YOU people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For out of Zion law will go forth, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. 3 And he will certainly render judgment among many peoples, and set matters straight respecting mighty nations far away. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.

                Rev 15:4 – all nations shall come and worship before You..” NKJV
                Ps 138:4 – “All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O LORD “ NKJV
                Ps 72:11,17 – “all kings shall fall down before Him; All nations shall serve Him” NKJV
                Rev 11:15 – “kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord… He shall reign forever”
                Rev 21:23-24 – “the nations shall walk amidst the light thereof: and the kings … bring their glory into it.”
                Dan 7:14, 27 – “ALL peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him” His kingdom is everlasting

                • I agree. Like Jesus said to the Pharisees that they shut up the Kingdom before men, like WT they try to narrow the salvation by manmade laws and deluded views. Thanks for the scriptures.

                  I hold a huge salvation view even for people of good conscience (Rom2:12-16) or those desiring to be which has to be commensurate with Christ salvation of the HUMAN RACE as a whole.

                  To me it is no opinion even at the Christ arrival destruction of a human being will be the absolute last resort as in Revelation 14:6-7 “eternal good news” offer. Some religions have had a field day selling their “everyone loves a winner” sales philosophy for “only our team” when the whole John 3:16 scope is of any human who has faith and believes in Christ.

                  That real Christ assured freedom does not sit well with some religions which profit off of keeping members to milk, while the freeing truth of Christ even sets them free from an unnecessary “second mediator” which some religions have just loved to place themselves as another christ.

                  God is the judge, not humans, so religions which influence people to “judge before the due time” are condemning themselves because those who teach have the heavier judgment. NOW we know why.

                  That being the case where actual omniscience and omnipotence is the only judge the larger our salvation opens in positivity, the more our own mercy aids our own salvation goal. Christ already died the DEATH for salvation, thus every possible way to apply it officially, for it already bought the human race anyway, will be the top Christ arrival priority.

                  Some religions also had to tap the big drama of the end all doomsday event and all the fear and guilt hype it allows, to then always focus on the destruction aspects reserved for only enemies (Rev19:1921), and religious ones are included (Matt7:21), which is the last selective conquest event, NOT the first.

                  Christ’s first arrival mission is already in Revelation 14. And in every Christ arrival prophecy of the salvation scope covered (Matt24:29-31), SALVATION is always first in the sequence.(Rev14:6-7; Rev14:14-16; Matt25:31-40)

                  Now we can know that will take place in Daniel 12, for those last cross-referenceable timed prophecies are there for a reason when days will equal days. Logically Christ opens all of the Daniel 12:11 1290 days literally, in the face (Ps110:2) of wild beast “placed disgusting thing” world government “8th King”=”King North”.

                  It also has to be a stealth salvation phase first, as he must also ease his presence in well before his “power and great glory” phase of conquest, as he secures all savable humans in ANYONE who agrees to the Revelation 14:6-7 peace and life promise and offer FROM the Kingdom itself.

                  Only Christ’s own Kingdom is the only entity of perfection which could possibly complete the Matthew 24:14 completion sanction, as human systems fail “by any means” UNTIL the “son of man arrives” as in Matthew 10:23. Then this good news FROM the Kingdom itself will complete and the salvation will be its first mission of greatest importance for dusting rival world government and its forces and abyssing every demon was never much of a challenge to the King of kings and his angelic air force so they save that weak rival for last.

                  SALVATION is the main mission of Christ since he first came and it will continue in all his future one thousand year reign.

                  In Christian religions Christ “came to cause division” so theological disputes will not override the promise of John 3:16 to overlook all error, as the blood of Christ is what saves, not prophecy understanding, even though any of it can help. It is the news of Christ, he himself is God’s salvation for real.

                  The JW delusion will soon enough fail as their final fail before the eyes of the whole world which will continue on over the WT rubble. And Lord knows, that apostate botch is not innocent error, it has gallons of the blood of innocents on its hands, and this judgment upon it has been a long time coming, and it will not be a light judgment nor will it be pretty.

                  But, accounts must be settled and all temple judgment survivors who are not rejected can repent as the purpose of all of God’s judgments. But that purification requires some fire first, but WT has set up a perfect spectacle for just such an Isaiah 28:21 “strange and unusual” work.

                  Good day.

                  • Peter K. (admin)

                    Thanks MilkyWay – Some good thoughts you had. I agree that our relationship is directly with the Father through his Son Jesus Christ. When Church Organizations and/or Governing Bodies insert themselves as the Mediator between God and man, we are misdirected.

                    Hebrews 11:6 ESV
                    And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

                    John 14:6 ESV
                    Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

                    1 John 1:9 ESV
                    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

                    John 6:40 ESV
                    For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

                    John 15:5 ESV
                    I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

  • Nubby Tope

    I’ve read so much stuff online that Bro. Russell was a Mason and other things to say he wasn’t. So I contacted an old mate of mine who is a Freemason and asked him to look it up. He came back 3 days later and said “He was not a Mason, but his father and father-in-law were. Yes he had friends that also were but Russell never was. Yes he was buried near a Lodge but that built after his death apparently. I don’t know exactly where my friend got his info but he I’m happy to accept what he said.

    • Richard.Tazzyman

      Dear Bro N T,Pls read my reply.If you order this book from Amazon you will find the Info is more correct that what your friend told you.Yours In Christ,Bro Richard

    • greg (Bible Student)

      Nubby Tope,

      Greetings my dear brother.

      What you wrote above is in complete agreement with my own research. And in these days of the internet, where information is freely abundant, anyone that is seriously interested in truth can verify the truthfulness of your expression for themselves.

      And Br. Richard Tazzyman,

      Thanks for the info on the book. Take care, my friend.

      -greg

    • Chris J

      Russell himself addressed this in the 1913 convention sermons report.

      “I am very glad to have this particular opportunity of saying a word about some of the things in which we agree with our Masonic friends, because we are speaking in a building dedicated to Masonry, and we also are Masons. I am a Free Mason. I am a free and accepted Mason, if I may carry the matter to its full length, because that is what our Masonic brethren like to tell us, that they are free and accepted Masons. That is their style of putting it. Now I am a free and accepted Mason. I trust we all are. But not just after the style of our Masonic brethren. We have no quarrel with them. I am not going to say a word against Free Masons. In fact, some of my very dear friends are Masons, and I can appreciate that there are certain very precious truths that are held in part by our Masonic friends.

      I have talked to them at times, and they have said, How do you know about all of these things? We thought nobody knew anything about these things except those who had access to our very highest logic. I said that I had been in conference with the Great Master Workman, the Lord himself, and I have secret information through the Holy Spirit and guidance in respect to what the Bible says, and that contains all the truth, I believe, on every subject. And so if we talk to our Masonic friends about the Temple and its meaning, and about being good Masons, and about the Great Pyramid, which is the very emblem they use, and what the Great Pyramid signifies, our Masonic friends are astonished. One who had been a Mason a long time recently bought a lot of books that had the Great Pyramid discussed, and sent them to I am sure a thousand Masons. He paid for them and sent them out at his own expense. He wanted the Masons to see something about the Great Pyramid. He knew they were greatly interested in that. But we are not going to discuss the Great Pyramid this afternoon. We are going to discuss free and accepted Masonry– the Bible Masonry, my dear friends.”

    • Peter K. (admin)

      I just wanted to add in followup to all the comments on this topic that most of the false claims and accusations against Brother Russell are well researched and answered in the book you can download at this link: https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/2012/09/13/pastor-russell-messenger-of-millennial-hope/

  • 1231234

    Whoever wrote this , is this a joke? You make the sole claim that CR wasn’t a freemason because he told his audience that? how gullible are you? or is this paid programming to deceive? anyone with half a soul can see the masonic imagery.

    • Richard.Tazzyman

      My dear friend,1234.If you want the truth & the real truth,read the book Written By frederick zydek(available on Amazon)The author ot this book is not a bible student or a JW,He is a professional writer.He has Researched all of Bro Russells life from the time he was born In Ireland-Till his death in 1916.He has researched all records that ar avaiable about CTR,& guess what there is not one,no not one bit of written proof in the records of any Mason membership Records that Russell was ever a Mason or any of his close family members.This is FACT.No proof whatsoever that he even attended a Mason meeting.Now my friend please supply your so called proof that says he was one,because you will not find any.Richard.Tazzyman

  • Anonymous

    FREEMASON has a very real CRIMINAL ELEMENT .

    I write on twitter

    Yahweh_is_Love “

  • TedR Bible Student

    You obviously didn’t even read the post above. Brother Russell was never a Jehovah,s Witness. They were founded by Rutherford. It was Rutherford who built the pyramid monument near the grave of Pastor Russell. If you are going to criticize, know the true facts and stop distributing half truths and lies. Russell condemned the practice of the occult.. Jehovah’s Witness beliefs have greatly deviated from Russell’s teaching. It’s one thing to express disagreement with doctrine but please refrain from condemning peaceful loving people who have nothing to do with the atrocities of the JW leadership.

  • Emanuel

    http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-caFAuCvSV5A/URZjP1Q0yhI/AAAAAAAABv0/gSWv9s0pUk0/s1600/Pyramid_Russel_Gravesite.jpg Part of his gravesite. Alistair Crowley was another occult guy that made that symbol popular. Another interesting weird thing. Charles Russell and Joseph Smith are from around the same area. And I know you all agree the Mormons are wrong.. same with y’all. No debate, you’re defending deceit, and some that has done some serious omitting of the scriptures. Revelations 22:17-21; so reading that, right or wrong he added to scriptures( in more way than one.), and took away just as much(JW bible translations). Mormons, Scientology, 7th day, Jehovah’s Witnesses; are occultic. A long with many more religions, these are just a few that try you use Christian doctrine(not Scientology).

    P.s there were three dates that were falsely prophesied.
    I’m not arguing/ debating. Go look for yourself, and not on your Hall’s(hmm that’s interesting??) website. Independent research is always a more direct path to the truth.
    God bless

    • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

      Hi Emanuel, thank you for commenting. We are not Jehovah witnesses and don’t have a hall website. I think you mean jworg. That is not our website. There are independent websites for different classes of Bible students but we don’t own buildings but meet in small groups basically in homes. It’s refreshing that you are doing research. Let’s see if we can discuss a familiar subject, okay? Look at the different articles and maybe ask a question on the scriptural support and maybe we can go from there. For instance what do you think about this subject?
      https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/2016/04/05/may-18-after-armaggedon-who-will-survive-who-will-be-destroyed/ Jacqueline

      PS: I visited the gravesite in 2012 I think. Finally I was able to see what Bethel witnesses call the launching pad. Time marches on and the monuments made to the dead tells us what people have to say of their legacy. Mrs. Russell dedicated this to her husband and some Bible student brothers have done repairs over the years.

    • Chris J

      Yes you are arguing. You’re whole intent was to come on ever because you had nothing to do and to trash others beliefs.

    • Chris J

      So because two different people use the same symbol it means they are connected? That’s false reasoning. The Swatstika for example was a symbol of the Hindu religion. The Nazi party uses it and it is no way connected to that religion. So your analysis is and is a false equivalent one. Just because Joseph Smith and Russell were from the same area (different times) you can see that their beliefs are completely different. Joseph smith believed that the Native americans were descendants of the Hebrews before the destruction of Jerusalem in 587. They also believe that the “immortal soul” preexisted in heaven and comes to earth to be tested and will end up in three levels of heaven or outer darkness. This is a completely different religion than what Bible students hold to. You said that there were theee dates falsely prophesied. Show me one prophesy Russell made. Because chronology and the 7-day millennium theory are not prophesies.

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